From Trainee To Professional: The Identity Shift

Balancing creativity and career, COTA students are stepping into the working world before they even graduate. At College of the Arts, learning goes beyond lectures and classrooms; it becomes a lived experience. For many students, the journey is not just about studying but actively stepping into the working world while still pursuing their education. One COTA student is currently balancing work alongside their studies, in a role directly linked to their field.

Martha Elongo, a first-year student from COTA, shares her experience on how it feels to be a working student while being a full-time student.

For Martha, the shift happened gradually. It was not a single moment but a series of small victories. “There came a point where I stopped second-guessing every decision I made at work,” she reflects. “That is when I knew something had changed in me.” When it comes to balancing work and academics, Martha highlights that her time and energy are hard to manage, especially when she has practical tasks and assignments due at the same time.

“I manage this by planning my schedule in advance, prioritising important tasks and staying disciplined so I don’t fall behind. I always make sure to rest when needed to avoid burnout

Working in a field that mirrors her studies has given her a clearer picture of her future. “Since both my studies and my job are practical, I’ve been able to see how things actually work in real-life situations.

It also helped me understand my field better, build confidence and identify the skills I still need to improve on.” “It is the kind of lesson that sticks not because it was taught, but because it was lived.”

Confidence, however, has not always come easily. Walking into professional spaces as a young, first-year student comes with its own quiet battles. “Sometimes I wonder if people take me seriously because of my age or my year of study. But I remind myself that I earned my place in that room, and I keep showing up.”

As for where she sees herself after COTA, Martha’s vision is clear and grounded in everything she is building right now. “I want to be running my own projects, not waiting for someone to give me an opportunity. Every day I show up to both work and class is a day I am closer to that.”